The government of President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva is seeking to permanently eliminate a 20% federal tax on international purchases under US$ 50 [1].
This move aims to lower costs for consumers who frequently buy small items from overseas platforms. By removing the levy, known locally as the “taxa das blusinhas,” the administration intends to make the current suspension of the tax permanent.
The proposal is being advanced through a provisional measure as the Brazilian Congress resumes its sessions. Lawmakers must validate the measure by Sept. 8 for the exemption to continue [3]. If the Congress does not approve the measure by this deadline, the tax could be reinstated.
The 20% tax rate [1] applies specifically to international shipments with a value of up to US$ 50 [2]. This specific tax burden has been a point of contention for consumers of low-cost imported goods.
According to government records, the collection of this tax has been suspended since May 2024 [4]. The current effort to codify this suspension into law would remove the uncertainty surrounding the cost of small-scale imports for the Brazilian public.
The administration is now coordinating with the National Congress to ensure the timeline is met. The focus remains on reducing the financial impact on the end consumer while managing the regulatory framework for international trade.
“The government is seeking to permanently eliminate a 20% federal tax on international purchases under US$ 50.”
The push to eliminate the 'blusinha tax' reflects a strategic effort by the Lula administration to alleviate the cost of living for consumers. However, by relying on a provisional measure with a tight deadline of Sept. 8, the government faces a legislative risk; failure to secure congressional approval would result in a sudden price increase for millions of small-scale imports, potentially sparking consumer backlash.
